Former gymnast remembered for ‘infectious’ attitude

Former gymnast and 2017-graduate Alex DeMoura drowned Monday while swimming in Mexico, according to a release. She was 24.

Gymnastics head coach Margie Foster-Cunningham said DeMoura possessed an “infectious” attitude that will be remembered by all who knew her.

“She had a tenacity about her that set a standard for us, but she also wore a smile and carried herself with such poise that made her a favorite among us all,” Foster-Cunningham said in the release. “Alex was a beautiful athlete, and her performances displayed a special style, grace and strength.”

DeMoura captained the Colonials during her senior campaign and led the team to its second-ever East Atlantic Gymnastics League Championship. She was also a member of the squad’s first EAGL Championship victory in 2015.

In her final season with the Colonials, she earned a 2017 All-EAGL First Team spot in all-around and a 2017 All-EAGL Second Team honor in uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.

She also nabbed a 2016 All-EAGL First Team nod in all-around, balance beam and floor exercise, a 2016 All-EAGL Second Team nomination in vault and uneven bars and a 2015 All-EAGL Second Team honor in vault, floor exercise and all-around.

DeMoura was a member of the Leadership Academy during her GW career. Tanya Vogel, the director of athletics and recreation, said DeMoura’s presence was felt outside of the gymnastics team and that she enriched the campus community.

“Alex’s legacy and memory will never be forgotten by all of us who she touched,” Vogel said in the release.

DeMoura continued to be involved in gymnastics after she graduated. She coached young gymnasts at her former gym on Long Island and returned to the Smith Center before the 2018 season opener to raise the team’s 2017 championship banner.

DeMoura’s funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Aug. 12 at the Church of Saint Joseph in Garden City, N.Y. The family will also hold visitation hours Aug. 11 at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home, according to the funeral home.

DeMoura is survived by her parents, Josephaine and Alexandre, her brother, Nicholas, and her sisters, Isabella and Giovanna. The family is asking for donations to the University for a scholarship in DeMoura’s name instead of sending flowers.